A well-defined choking emergency protocol is essential in any workplace to ensure a swift and effective response during a life-threatening situation. A choking incident can happen unexpectedly, turning a routine moment into a life-threatening situation. In a workplace setting, having a clear and well-practised response can mean the difference between a full recovery and a critical outcome.
Establishing a management of a structured choking emergency protocol ensures that employees are equipped to recognise the signs of choking, respond effectively, and support those in distress. By integrating training, equipment readiness, and procedural clarity into workplace safety measures, organisations can create an environment where rapid intervention is second nature.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Choking Incidents
Recognise signs of choking in colleagues:
- Panic, distress, clutching throat, frantic arm waving, confused look
- Weak coughing, high-pitched wheezing, inability to speak, open-mouth gasping
- Turning blue, flushing, watery eyes, clenched fists, paleness
- Strained coughs without expulsion, choking sounds, unexpected silence, whispering, squealing breaths
- Unresponsiveness, need for CPR, brain damage risk, discolouration progression
- Inability to cough forcefully can signal a serious issue.
The Choking Emergency Protocol: Preparing Your Workplace for Choking First Aid Emergencies
To make your workplace choking-ready, you’ll need a three-pronged approach focusing on training and education, emergency response planning, and essential equipment and supplies.
Start by ensuring all employees receive thorough training on choking first aid, including hands-on practice of abdominal thrusts and other life-saving techniques. This training should be conducted by qualified instructors and updated regularly to maintain compliance with workplace safety regulations and best practices. Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged, as outlined in the basic first aid steps for choking emergencies.
Next, develop a clear, step-by-step emergency response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for choking incidents. This plan should be easily accessible to all employees and include contact information for emergency services, designated first aid responders, and the location of essential equipment such as first aid kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Finally, ensure your workplace is equipped with all necessary first aid supplies and equipment, including disposable gloves, resuscitation masks, and any specialised equipment required for your specific industry or work environment.
Training and Education
Preparing your workplace to effectively respond to choking emergencies requires a comprehensive training and education program. Ensure your team is certified in first aid techniques, such as back blows and abdominal thrusts, with refresher sessions. Hands-on practice using mannequins helps build muscle memory and confidence.
Emergency Response Plan
Designate clear roles and responsibilities for alerting emergency services and administering first aid during choking incidents.
Create incident report templates to capture key details such as the people involved, the incident timeline, and the actions taken.
Incorporate choking emergencies into existing health, safety, and environment (HSE) protocols.
Conduct post-incident debriefs with witnesses to identify areas for improvement in emergency response procedures.
Maintain compliance records that document rescue steps, outcomes, and training rosters as required by health and safety legislation.
Assign designated emergency responders within the workplace and conduct quarterly drills to maintain proficiency in first aid skills.
Ensure your emergency response plan clarifies that responders are protected from liability when providing aid in good faith.
Invest in regular first aid training for employees, including CPR techniques, to build a prepared workforce.
Equipment and Supplies
Every workplace should have the following equipment on hand to effectively respond to choking emergencies and other first aid situations:
- Airway clearance devices: Tools such as a LifeVac, Dechoker, or abdominal thrust assist device create suction to dislodge obstructions when abdominal thrusts are ineffective.
- Communication devices: Verify you have a working phone to call 000 for emergency services if needed.
- First aid kit: A well-stocked kit should include items such as bandages, dressings, antiseptic, and other supplies to address common workplace injuries.
Store all equipment in an easily accessible location and check it regularly to confirm it’s in good condition. Proper maintenance ensures that these potentially lifesaving supplies will be ready for use during an emergency.
Performing Abdominal Thrusts on Someone Who is Choking
Stand behind the choking victim and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel, grasping that fist with your other hand. Quickly pull inward and upward with moderate pressure, repeating the abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the victim loses consciousness. Avoid using abdominal thrusts for obese patients and pregnant women, as chest thrusts are recommended for these specific populations.
Continuing Abdominal Thrusts
If initial attempts are unsuccessful, alternate between 5 abdominal thrusts and 5 back blows. For pregnant or obese individuals, employ chest thrusts instead.
Continue abdominal thrusts while the victim remains conscious. If they become unresponsive, immediately commence chest compressions and call for emergency medical assistance.
Responding to Unconscious Choking Victims
As part of workplace first aid training, it’s crucial for employees to know how to respond to an unconscious choking victim. If you find an unconscious person and suspect they’re choking, immediately call 000 for emergency services.
Position the victim on a firm, flat surface, ensuring their head and neck are aligned to maintain an open airway. Check for breathing and circulation for up to 10 seconds before starting CPR. Look inside their mouth for visible obstructions, using the tongue-jaw lift between compressions.
Position the unconscious choking victim on a firm surface, check for breathing and obstructions, and perform CPR if needed.
If no breathing or pulse is detected, begin chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, depressing the chest by 5 centimetres. If trained, give rescue breaths after every 30 compressions, using the “30:2” ratio. Continue cycles of CPR until the victim regains consciousness or medical help arrives to take over.
Adapting First Aid for Choking for Special Populations
While workplace first aid training equips employees to handle choking emergencies, you’ll need to adapt your techniques when assisting special populations. For wheelchair users, perform abdominal thrusts while kneeling behind the chair, shifting to CPR on a flat surface if needed.
With obese individuals, use chest thrusts and position yourself lower for ideal force.
When helping pregnant people:
- Substitute chest thrusts for abdominal thrusts
- Align hand positioning with CPR protocols
- Provide mobile stabilisation to prevent falls
Integrate these adaptations into your workplace emergency action plans, install clear visual aids, and regularly simulate scenarios involving special populations to guarantee effective response and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Integrating Choking Response Techniques With Workplace Safety Protocols
To effectively integrate choking response into your workplace safety protocols, you’ll need to ensure that your emergency action plans align with Safe Work Australia requirements and industry best practices.
Conduct a thorough review of your current policies and procedures, identifying any gaps or areas for improvement. Develop a comprehensive first aid training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to a choking emergency and other common workplace injuries. Establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member, and conduct regular drills to maintain readiness.
Your workplace should have the following components in place:
|
Component |
Description |
Frequency |
|
Policy Review |
Assess current protocols and align with Safe Work Australia guidelines |
Annually |
|
First Aid Training Program |
Classroom and practical sessions covering choking response and other essential first aid skills |
Quarterly |
|
Drills |
Simulate emergencies to test response times and identify areas for improvement |
Monthly |
|
Equipment Maintenance |
Inspect and restock first aid kits, AEDs, and other emergency equipment |
Weekly |
|
Incident Reporting |
Document and analyse all workplace incidents to prevent future occurrences |
As needed |
Additional considerations for workplace first aid preparedness include:
- Appointing and training designated first aid officers
- Displaying first aid procedures and emergency contact information prominently
- Ensuring adequate coverage of first aid personnel across all shifts
- Providing mental health support and training for employees
- Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards
- Collaborating with local emergency services to streamline response efforts
Post-Incident Documentation and Follow-Up Care
Post-incident documentation and follow-up care are crucial elements of a comprehensive choking emergency response plan in the workplace. To ensure compliance with safety regulations and improve emergency preparedness, it’s essential to keep accurate records of the incident details, including:
Proper documentation and follow-up care are essential for ensuring compliance and improving choking emergency response in the workplace.
- The size and nature of the object that caused the choking
- The consistency of any liquids involved
- The type of meal assistance provided, if applicable
- Confirmation of staff training on dysphagia risks and first aid techniques
Thorough documentation of the immediate actions taken during the incident is also necessary, such as:
- First aid administered
- Emergency services contacted (e.g., 000 calls)
- Medical follow-ups arranged
The workplace should have clear guidelines for post-incident monitoring, including:
- Instructions for checking the affected individual’s temperature and symptoms
- Procedures for notifying families/guardians
- Incident reporting protocols
Arrange follow-up medical evaluations to assess potential complications, such as aspiration pneumonia or airway damage. If choking incidents recur or symptoms persist, a mandatory medical review should be conducted.
Proper documentation not only ensures legal compliance but also helps identify areas for improvement in the workplace’s choking emergency response plan.
Learn First Aid: Prevent Choking Fatalities Through Effective Training
Effective training plays an essential role in reducing choking fatalities in the workplace. Workplace first aid courses provide critical skills to perform abdominal thrusts and back blows correctly, while practical simulations boost confidence and reduce stress during emergencies.
FAQs
Can a partially choking person still need medical help?
Yes, even if someone can still breathe or cough, a partial obstruction can worsen or cause complications. If their coughing is weak, they struggle to breathe, or symptoms persist after the blockage is cleared, medical attention may be needed.
What should I do if I am choking and alone?
A person who is choking and alone should attempt to perform abdominal thrusts on themselves. This can be done by placing a fist above the navel and pushing inward and upward or by pressing the upper abdomen forcefully against a firm surface like the back of a chair. If the blockage does not clear, calling emergency services is critical.
Can choking cause complications even after the object is removed?
Yes, choking can lead to internal injuries, irritation, or swelling in the airway, which may cause breathing difficulties later. If the person experiences persistent coughing, wheezing, pain, or difficulty swallowing after choking, they should seek medical evaluation.
